It was very disappointing to see the Government blocking the mental health motion that has been endorsed by both houses in the Parliament.

The motion due to be voted on in the House of Representatives in the second last sitting week of the year, was deferred by the Gillard government who have blocked it at every turn.
The motion calls upon the government to adopt the Coalition’s mental health plan to expand the number of headspace centres to a minimum of 90 nationally, establish a network of Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centres (EPPIC), provide an additional 800 beds associated with the EPPIC centres and provide extra funding to meet these commitments.
One in five Australians are touched by mental illness in any one year.  The Coalition, along with key Independents have pledged their support for Australia’s top mental health practitioners on the need for a major injection of funds and expansion of services in mental health and I will continue to fight for this to happen.
Christmas Card Competition
I would like to thank all the students in the electorate who took part in my Christmas Card Competition this year.  As always the judging proved to be a challenge with many creative and colourful entries about how students celebrate with their families at Christmas. I would like to take this opportunity to wish teachers and students a safe holiday and a very happy Christmas to all members of the community.
Australia Day
On Australia Day I celebrate the contribution made by members of the Dickson electorate to our community by presenting the Dickson Community Awards.  If you know someone who is deserving of this award please take the time to nominate them. The person you nominate must live in Dickson and Nominations close on Friday 14 January 2011. Nomination forms can be found on my website at www.peterdutton.com.au or by calling my office on 3205 9977. 
Conservative Writing Competition
The Conservative Leadership Foundation’s Conservative Writing Competition for 2011 is now open to young leaders who are prepared to articulate the case for conservative values through the written word.  The winning entrant will receive $2500, return airfares to Washington DC and leadership training in the United States. Specific topic questions are provided with a maximum 3000 word response required. Entrants must be between 18 and 25 years of age and submit their essay  by 25 March 2011.  For this year’s essay questions and further information visit www.conservative.org.au
Free Living with Water DVD
With summer upon us it is a timely reminder to be aware of water safety and ensuring our children have the skills needed to prevent drowning.  Laurie Lawrence’s Living with Water DVD is a comprehensive water safety DVD for parents and caregivers of children under five years of age. You can obtain your free copy from my office at Strathpine, my mobile office or by calling 3205 9977.  Alternatively go to Laurie Lawrence’s website  www.kidsalive.com.au .
Fiscal the Fraud Fighting Ferret
The Queensland Police have developed Fiscal the Fraud Fighting Ferret as part of a program to help fight fraud and teach children how to protect their identity.  If you would like to see a preview of Fiscal you can visit these links:
Episode 1 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2YMVT8ecuw   and
Episode 2 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7jWXOLAGOw&list=QL&feature=BF
Schools are invited take part in education programs and can contact the State Crime Operations Command’s Fraud and Corporate Crime Group on 3364 6622 for more information.